Chancellor Syverud Provides Update to University Senate on Housing and Technology Leadership

Thank you, Professor Reed. I’ll be very brief. I’ll just share three developments.

Just before spring break, the University announced plans to build two new residence halls. These will be the first new construction residence halls in at least 15 years. The first will be a new residence hall located on Ostrom Avenue across the street from Thornden Park on what are currently vacant lots. This project is currently in design, and construction will begin later this year. The second project will start with the demolition of Marion and Kimmel residence halls and the Kimmel Dining Center. On that site, a modern new residence hall will be built. The size and timeline for the Marion Kimmel site is still under evaluation.

The student experience division has already hosted listening sessions to ensure the Ostrom Avenue facility meets students’ needs. These sessions have included first and second-year students, peer educators, LLC students, Student Living staff and student leaders, and the Student Advisory Council.

These two new planned residence halls are in addition to previously announced plans to convert the Sheraton Hotel to a residence hall, and fully incorporating 727 South Crouse, which used to be known as The Marshall, into our housing stock. Conversion of the Sheraton will begin just after Commencement in May. Both that building and the building at 727 South Crouse will be part of our residence halls for the Fall 2024 semester.

The other update is that most saw the announcement that two-time Syracuse graduate and longtime iSchool Professor Jeff Rubin is taking on a new role as the University’s inaugural senior vice president for digital transformation and chief digital officer. His responsibilities will include establishing a Universitywide artificial intelligence strategy, overseeing data management and security, and leading the information technology team, among other key priorities. Jeff has been serving as a special advisor to me on SU Global and Digital Transformation for the last couple of years part-time. Now full-time he’s going to be helping in this new role. His extraordinary history of success includes planning and implementing high-speed connectivity at the JMA Wireless Dome. He’s the founder of SIDEARM Sports, which is the company that’s the nation’s leading digital provider for college athletics. I am confident that under his leadership the University is on course to be a digital and technology leader.

Finally, I’d like to recognize ACC Women’s Basketball Coach of the Year, Syracuse’s Felisha Legette-Jack. She was one of 10 semifinalist coaches for National Coach of the Year as well. In her second season, she’s really been an inspiring leader here. And, the women’s team heads to the NCAA Tournament. They play Saturday at 3:30 p.m. the winner of the Auburn/Arizona game, and I’m very proud of that.

I also want to recognize our men’s basketball Coach Adrian Autry. This year’s team won 20 games, the first time that’s been achieved in a decade. In his first season, Coach Autry has proven he’s a devoted coach who puts character front and center of what he does.

That’s my report. Thank you.